sc-approves-teesta-setalvad-s-travel-to-malaysia

The Supreme Court of India has granted permission for human rights activist Teesta Setalvad to travel to Malaysia. This approval allows Setalvad to attend an anti-racism conference from August 31 to September 10. The court's decision came on Tuesday, following a request from Setalvad for a temporary relaxation of her bail conditions.

 

A bench consisting of Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan issued the order, provided that Setalvad meets certain conditions. She is required to furnish a solvent surety of Rs 10 lakh and provide an undertaking detailing her travel plans. Additionally, Setalvad must return her passport to the authorities once the conference concludes.

 

Setalvad’s legal representative, senior advocate Kapil Sibal, informed the court that the purpose of the trip is to participate in a conference focused on anti-racism. This event is an opportunity for Setalvad to engage with international discussions on human rights.

 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta expressed concerns about ensuring Setalvad’s return to India. He emphasised the need for conditions to be set to guarantee that she returns after her trip.

 

Currently, Setalvad is on bail related to a criminal case. This case involves allegations that she conspired to damage the reputation of Gujarat and its then Chief Minister Narendra Modi in connection with the 2002 Gujarat riots.

 

Last year, Setalvad was granted regular bail by the Supreme Court after challenging a Gujarat High Court order that had rejected her bail request and instructed her to surrender.

 

Setalvad’s arrest occurred on June 25, 2022, following an FIR by the Ahmedabad Detection of Crime Branch. The charges against her involve claims that she falsely implicated innocent individuals in relation to the 2002 riots.